Christ the Redeemer visit

While the rest of Rio slept off the hangover from the host nation’s opening win, we rose early to beat the crowds to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Most visitors to one of the recently crowned “New Seven Wonders of the World” elect to take a bus, taxi or tram to the base of the monument. In an attempt to ward off the damage from too many meals in Brazilian steakhouses, we chose to hike.

After an arduous hour and twenty minute climb, we emerged 2,400 feet higher at the foot of the statue. His welcoming arms were veiled in misty clouds but that did little to dampen the awe-inspiring sight.

It was tough to depart but the allure of the beaches, samba houses and the Spain/Netherlands rematch finally brought us back down the mountain.